Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2025–26 United Rugby Championship
Matchday 7
Stormers v Lions
Cape Town Stadium
Cape Town, South Africa
Saturday, 20 December 2025
Kick-off is at 15h30
The Stormers' perfect start to the United Rugby Championship season will come under threat when the Lions visit the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, December 20.
The Cape Town outfit are the only team to remain undefeated after six rounds and they top the standings by two points ahead of Cardiff, while Munster are a further point back in third place.
John Dobson's side have only given up 60 points from their opening six matches and they're the leading points scorers with 184.
The Stormers maintained their 100 per cent record with a 27-21 victory over Munster on November 29 - the most points they've conceded in a single game.
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Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
The Lions are building up a head of steam after recovering from a poor start which saw them lose their first three games of the 2025-26 campaign.
Ivan van Rooyen's side claimed a bonus point in hard-fought 43-33 triumph over local rivals the Bulls on November 29 to make it three wins on the spin.
The team from Johannesburg are tied with Leinster (6th) on 16 points, but trail them in the standings on points difference, while the Bulls are breathing down their necks in eighth position.
Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Dobson wants to see more intensity from his players against the Lions, who will be fired up for the clash with their South African rivals after gaining some momentum themselves of late.
"As coaches, we had a good look at the Lions already and what we can expect. We know Henco [van Wyk] gets the most contact metres, Quan Horn makes line breaks, and we know how effective they can be at the breakdown and in winning turnovers," he said.
"We've played this Lions team a couple of times before and know how dangerous they can be, especially at altitude when things get loose. They made their intentions clear by resting key players [in the Challenge Cup], showing that they want to target this game.
"We've done the same in previous seasons. They are coming, and suddenly the game feels a little more intense. But we won't be lacking any intensity. They will get lots of things from us, but that is where we will challenge the Lions."
Head-to-Head: (Last Five URC Matches)
Matches - 5
Stormers wins - 4
Lions wins - 1
Draws - 0
United Rugby Championship Matchday 7 fixtures
Friday, December 19
21h45: Cardiff v Scarlets
21h45: Leinster v Ulster
Saturday, December 20
15h30: Stormers v Lions
16h00: Benetton v Zebre Parma
17h00: Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh
18h00: Sharks v Bulls
19h30: Ospreys v Munster
21h45: Dragons v Connacht
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